Acts 16:10 we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Today, we said goodbye to Eylem, our awesome Turkish guide. He loves history and archeology just like I do. We hope to have him out to Texas one day soon.
Turkey is a beautiful country and we were sorry to have to leave
Day 3 was largely a travel day as we left Çanakalle in Turkey, crossed over the Dardenalles, across the Gallipoli peninsula (a big WWI battlefield), and through the Turkey-Greece border.
We drove (for a while) to Phillipi, the setting of Acts 16. Here Lydia the first European disciple was made. Today there is a nice chapel and garden area set aside to remember the moment.
We then explored the archeological site of ancient Philippi including the Agora and the site believed to be the prison of Paul.
Acts 16:23–25 (LEB): And after they had inflicted many blows on them, they threw them into prison, giving orders to the jailer to guard them securely. 24 Having received such an order, ⌊he⌋ put them in the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
(Both of these were illegal to do to a Roman citizen without a trial)
25 Now about midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
Devotional video from Philippi
Our hotel was at the seashore town of Kavala, just a few steps from a small beach. Kavala is Biblical Neapolis, where Paul first landed.
Acts 16:11–12 (LEB): So putting out to sea from Troas, we sailed a straight course to Samothrace, and on the following day to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi
The next day we we’re greeted with a beautiful sunrise over the Agean. After breakfast, we made our way along the ancient Via Egnatia to Thessaloniki.
Our bus momentarily broke down at a toll booth, but the driver was able to get us going again after 10 minutes. After a reasonably short time, the Pastor asked "ok, who prayed?" Another person and I raised our hands. I learned from our neighbors Cody and Heather to pray in any circumstances, but particularly those we might otherwise find irritating.
For being an important city, the site was somewhat underwhelming. But there are some important lessons from Acts 17 and 1/2 Thessalonians about remaining faithful.
The best part is we’re right be the sea in Greece on a beautiful day. We had a light day scheduled so we got plenty of time to enjoy the sunshine and a nice dinner near the water.
Thoughts of our trip so far:
As disciples of Jesus, from day one, we are called to be in a culture far from God and often one that is in opposition to our message. In Revelation 2-3, Jesus chastised fellowships that not only we’re compromising with one foot in the world and one foot in the church (which we may be guilty of more than we are aware of), but also for "tolerating" a false message.
Paul was mistreated even though he had "constitutional" protections. And still he praised!
The Talmidim Way is not wide and smooth but narrow and rocky. And through it all, we praise Him!
1 Thessalonians 1:6–8 (LEB): And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, receiving the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all those who believe in Macedonia and in Achaia, 8 for from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place your faith toward God has gone out, so that we have no need to say anything.
